In a display of solidarity with the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye over the death of her mother, Madam Esther Adegboye, members of Ekiti State Executive Council on Wednesday stormed the Ikere Ekiti to commiserate with the family of the Deputy Governor.
Mrs Afuye lost her mother, a renowned community leader, on Tuesday, at the age of 97.
The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, had earlier on Monday, paid a condolence visit to his Deputy, at the Government House Lodge, Ado Ekiti, to express sympathy with the family.
To consolidate the Governor’s visit, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, on Wednesday, led Council members, comprising Commissioners and Special Advisers, on a condolence visit to the Adegboye’s royal family, at their compound in Ikere Ekiti.
Also on hand to commiserate with the Deputy Governor, was the Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, represented by a member of the legislative arm, Hon. Iyabo Fakunle- Okeimen
Speaking at the traditional ceremony marking the commencement of the burial rites for Madam Adegboye, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Niyi Adebayo, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, described the passing as a celebration of life, rather than a moment of mourning.
Adebayo prayed to God to grant the family the courage to bear the loss.
“On behalf of Governor Biodun Oyebanji and members of the State Executive Council, we pray that God will comfort the family on the death of their matriarch. God will make all of us enjoy the grace Mama enjoyed and live long for us to reap the fruits of our labour.
“The passing of Mama Adegboye was a thing of joy. Mama nearly clocked 100, nothing can make one happier than this. It was an uncommon grace that only a few could enjoy.
“On behalf of His Excellency, we rejoice with the Deputy Governor and members of Adegboye family on the passing of this great woman of virtues”.
Commenting on Mama Adegboye’s virtues, the APC State Acting Chairman, Hon Sola Elesin, described the deceased as a great woman, who was a renowned women mobiliser during her days.
“I have heard about Mama’s historical antecedents, she was a woman of strength and substance. She was well respected because when she served the people well and contributed her quota to community development”.
Responding, Mrs Afuye, appreciated Governor Oyebanji for giving her the opportunity to steer the ship of the state with him and as well recognized her as a “co-pilot”.
Mrs Afuye saluted the members of the council for fraternizing with her at this trying moment, saying the gesture demonstrates how cohesive the members are under Oyebanji’s exemplary leadership.
“Let me appreciate Governor Oyebanji and members of the executive council for this solidarity, love and care for my family and for identifying with me at this period. I appreciate this gesture and I don’t take it for granted.
“On behalf of my family and Adegboye’s family, I appreciate your coming and wish you all long life, good health to live the rest of your lives”, she said.
Other notable members of the Executive Council present at the event are: the Head of Service, Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, Commissioners for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, Education, Dr Olabimpe Aderiye, Budget and Economic Planning, Femi Ajayi, Integration and Regional Development, Dr. Abdukareem, Youth Development, Gold Adedayo, Special Advisers, All Progressives Congress State Acting Chairman, Sola Elesin, Local Government Chairmen, among others.
